CDC Reports July 2014 Findings on Kids & Excessive Screen Time

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Hotline to God comments on new data released by the Centers for Disease Control, which discusses “excessive screen-time behaviors” in children – behavior that could be linked to health and developmental problems.

Past News Releases

On July 9, 2014, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) published new data (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db157.htm) that suggests children are spending too much time in front of screens – a behavior that tends to continue into adulthood and could be associated with a host of health problems, including obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and other developmental issues.

Key findings of the report include:

Nearly all (98.5%) youth aged 12–15 reported watching TV daily.

More than 9 in 10 (91.1%) youth aged 12–15 reported using the computer daily outside of school.

In 2012, 27.0% of youth aged 12–15 had 2 hours or less of TV plus computer use daily.

Among youth aged 12–15, girls (80.4%) were more likely to use the computer 2 hours or less daily when compared with boys (69.4%).

The new data reaffirms many pediatricians’ and parents’ position that children are spending too much time in front of the computer, TV, tablet, and phone. Chuck Stein, a product manager at The Hotline To God Store® (a company that sells creative inspirational audio products, including a line of children toys), says, “The new data is discouraging, especially when you know the behavior tends to follow a worsening trend. It is our hope at The Hotline to God Store that we’ll see a growing number of parents encouraging ‘non-screen’ toys in their kids’ lives.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Pediatric Society independently recommend no more than two hours of screen time per day for children, who are still going through sensitive developmental phases.

“To do our part in encouraging ‘off-screen’ play,” says Stein, “we’ve created Story-Stix®, handheld devices with colorful panels and prerecorded audio that share treasured Bible stories in a fun, kid-friendly way.” The Hotline to God Store currently offers four unique Story-Stix products, which feature stories of Jesus, Noah, Adam & Eve, and David & Goliath.

“We know it can be hard for parents to cut back on their kids’ TV and computer time,” says Stein. “But we hope that Story-Stix will make that transition just a little bit easier – especially as the CDC has made us even more aware of the potential dangers of excessive screen time.”

About Hotline to God
Hotline to God offers unique and uplifting audio products for Christian consumers of all ages. Products include the Hotline to God Phone®, which plays 25 inspirational Bible verses, Story Stix®, a unique hand-held 6-button children’s Biblical educational toy, and six Audio Key Chains, which play inspirational Bible verses and quotes.